Pedri's hamstring tear exacerbates Barcelona's injury troubles

Getty Images Image caption: Pedri has played in the starting lineup for all 13 of Barcelona's matches across all competitions this season

Barcelona have announced that Spanish midfielder Pedri has sustained a hamstring injury after receiving a red card in El Clasico. The 22-year-old was already scheduled to miss Barcelona's La Liga match against Elche on Sunday due to his expulsion in the 2-1 loss to their fierce rivals. The club's statement did not specify the duration of the midfielder's absence.

Barcelona's star Pedri is anticipated to be sidelined for an extended period due to a torn hamstring.

The Spanish midfielder joins a growing list of injured players at Camp Nou, which includes Gavi, Raphinha, Joan Garcia, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, all unavailable for the near future.

Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have only recently resumed training.

Pedri has been instrumental for Barca this season, contributing two goals and two assists in 13 appearances across all competitions.

The Spanish club did not disclose the duration of the 22-year-old's absence in their statement about the injury.

"First-team player Pedri has suffered a tear in the distal biceps femoris muscle in his left thigh," the club's statement revealed.

"His recovery will determine when he can return to play.

"Before the injury, the FC Barcelona midfielder had missed only one game under coach Hansi Flick, playing in 72 out of 73 possible matches.

"Pedri is a crucial part of the team, having started all 13 games this season, scoring twice—once in the win over Levante and once in the victory against Girona."

Pedri was already set to miss Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga match after being sent off for two bookable offenses in the final moments of their 2-1 loss in El Clasico on Sunday.

Barcelona is currently trailing their fierce rivals by five points in the Spanish top flight, following two defeats in their last three league games.

Barca will face La Liga side Elche in their next match on Sunday.

Pedri's hamstring has troubled him at various times during his young career, having caused him to miss much of the 2021/2022 season due to similar injuries.